US to develop Allahabad as 'smart city': Envoy

Lucknow: US will help Uttar Pradesh in developing Allahabad as a 'smart city', US Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma said on Wednesday. Verma called on Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here and held wide-ranging deliberations on business and investment opportunities in the state.

During the meeting, the diplomat expressed desire to further strengthen and take forward bilateral relations with India, especially Uttar Pradesh. He said many industrialists in the US were keen to invest in the state, and sought information for US investment in key sectors.

The Chief Minister told Verma that the state offers immense potential for investors and the state government has rolled out many investor-friendly policies which facilitate and assist entrepreneurs. He said Uttar Pradesh's agriculture, agro-processing, solid waste management and infrastructure development were key sectors where Americans can invest.

Yadav assured the US envoy of all possible cooperation and support from his government.

During the meeting, Verma said his country would help develop Allahabad as a smart city and that very soon, a US delegation would come to the state and discuss with officials how to take this forward.

The US ambassador also sought information on priorities of the state government. Yadav said his government was working towards improvement and strengthening of infrastructure and industry while also taking care of the welfare of the weaker and marginalised sections of the society.

The US ambassador lauded the state for initiating infrastructure projects like the Agra-Lucknow expressway and the Lucknow Metro Rail.